Hi, I am so happy to have found this site. I think this will be one lifestyle choice I can stick to but here is my question...

I understand I am allowed to have 11 blocks of proteing a day. When I look at the meal plans it is adding protein powder to oatmeal, yogurt, etc. When do I use protein powder and does that count as a block?? <img src='desktopmodules/ntforums/images/emoticons/unsure.gif' height='20' width='20' border='0' title='Unsure' align='absmiddle'>
Thanks!!!

Hi Nicolette!

Yes, protein powder counts toward your protein blocks. You can use it however you like or never use it at all. Every Zone meal and snack must contain the appropriate amount of protein according to your daily needs. Dr. Sears advises not to count the protein in plant source with the exception of soy foods. Gluten "meats" would be another exception.

Hi Sue!

Ok, Say I don't eat hardly any protein at all...I don't eat meat, tofu or veggie burgers. <img src='desktopmodules/ntforums/images/emoticons/sick.gif' height='20' width='20' border='0' title='Sick' align='absmiddle'>

But I can use all my daily protein block allowance as my protein?? Am I understanding that right? That would help a ton I think.

Thanks a bunch!!! Protein is my biggest problem....I've lived off carbs and sugar for too long! :blush:

Hi Nicolette!

I'm not quite sure that I understand you question correctly, but if you could repharse it, I'll be happy to help. Thanks!

If not, the best I can say is yes, you should eat your entire protein requirement every day.

Nicolette, are you asking if all of your protein for the entire day can come from protein powder?

Hi Nicolette,

If you are asking what Karen just mentioned, yes, you could eat all for your protein from one source, such as protein powder. It would probably get boring, but it would be ok. One caution would be to carefully choose a protien powder without a lot on additives an one that contains very little to no carb and added fat. Also good to keep in mind is that variety in your diet is a good way to assure you are getting an abundance of different nutrients.

Thanks! I forgot my login info...and a gained a pound after the first day so I was SO mad and was trying to figure out where I went wrong.
But back to the question. Yes, that is correct Karen and Sue, that was my question. I suppose I will have to do that. The only other protein sources I can eat are peanut butter and cheese. And that's where I think I went wrong. I ate too much or miscalculated my blocks. Please tell me the first week is the hardest?!!!

You're welcome Nicolette!

Think of that first week as a learning experience! It gets easier with each day, and before you know it, it's second nature to eat in the Zone.

BTW, peanut butter will not fulfill your P requirements for the Zone . For Zone purposes, consider it to be a fat only.

Oh, I am definitely overdoing the peanut butter for protein then!!!

I can't find it here and I don't have a food scale. How many teaspoons or tbs of soy protein powder is one block of protein?

Nicolette, the amount of soy protein powder will depend on which one you buy. Just read the nutrition label ... remember 7 grams of protein equal 1 block.

As Sue said, consider your first week as a learning experience. It really does get easier the longer you've been on it. Although the books are great and answer a lot of questions, I have learned so much from this forum ... sometimes just to validate I'm doing something correct.